Preload and retraction device for a wheel assembly and self-propelled cart comprising said device

Abstract

A preload and retraction device (10, 10') of a wheel assembly comprises a linear guide (11), an internal slider (12) and an external slider (13) movable along the linear guide (11), a linear elastic member (14) arranged to connect the two sliders (12) (13), a first wheel support arm (15) integral with the internal slider (12) and a second wheel support arm (19) integral with the external slider (13), with the external slider (13) carrying a weight support wheel (20) that is actuated and the internal slider (12) carrying a traction wheel (16) that comes into contact with a rolling surface with a preload force that is a function of the geometry of the system. The use of the device (10, 10') is particularly advantageous for supporting the wheels in a self-propelled cart (100) of the type suitable for moving along a railway track for the inspection of the underbody of railway vehicles as it greatly facilitates and at least partially automates the installation of the self-propelled cart (100) on the track.

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